Australia recorded its highest January figure for net long-term arrivals last month, with 57,270 people arriving on a permanent or long-term basis, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The result covers arrivals intending to stay for 12 months or more and surpasses every previous January on record. Over the full year to January 2026, the rolling annual total reached 494,540 — the second-highest figure on record, behind the 498,270 net arrivals recorded in the year to February 2024.
Across all travel categories, total border crossings into Australia reached 2,519,500 in January, up 5.7 per cent on the same month a year earlier. Total departures rose 3.3 per cent to 2,098,140.
New Zealand was the largest source country, accounting for 14.3 per cent of all short-term visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 79,470 trips and China with 78,400
Short-term visitor arrivals came to 716,680, a gain of 0.9 per cent on January 2025, though still 2 per cent below the January 2019 pre-pandemic level. New Zealand was the largest source country, accounting for 14.3 per cent of all short-term visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 79,470 trips and China with 78,400.
New South Wales drew more visitors than any other state or territory, with 272,980 short-term arrivals recorded for the month. The Northern Territory received the fewest, at 3,290.
Australians returning from short-term trips abroad numbered 1,665,100, up 7.8 per cent on a year earlier and 19.5 per cent above the equivalent figure from January 2019. New Zealand was the most popular destination, with 205,710 residents returning from there. Indonesia was second at 164,730, with Japan third at 159,090.
New South Wales recorded the most resident returns at 563,360, while Tasmania logged the fewest at 9,980. The Northern Territory posted a 23.6 per cent rise on January 2025, though from a comparatively small base.
The bureau was explicit that the overseas arrivals and departures figures should not be read as an official measure of overseas migration. The ABS noted that permanent and long-term arrivals data uses different definitions from its official migration statistics, and the two series can move in opposite directions for the same period. Authoritative migration figures are published separately.
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